Lowry still in touch in Lytham Trophy

Shane Lowry can still win the Lytham Trophy despite a nightmare finish to his third round.

The 22-year old from Esker Hills dropped five shots over his last four holes to card a five-over par 75 at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Yet he remained just two strokes behind leader Dale Whitnell of England, tied for third place on seven-over par entering this afternoon's final round.

Lowry reached the turn in one-under par 33 after following a bogey at the third with a spectacular, eagle three at the par-five seventh.

But he lurched home in six-over par 42, following a bogey at the par- five 11th with a double bogey six at the 15th, a bogey five at the 17th and another double bogey six the last.

Overnight leader Whitnell also shot a 75 to lead by a shot on five- over par 215 from Carnoustie's Keir McNicoll (72).

Castle's Dara Lernihan is tied for 27th on 14-over after a third round 77.

Lytham Trophy, Royal Lytham & St Annes

(After 54 holes)

215 Dale Whitnell (Five Lakes) 68 72 75;

216 Keir McNicoll (Carnoustie) 74 70 72;

217 Shane Lowry (Esker Hills) 66 76 75; Ross Kellett (Colville Park)

75 70 72; Tommy Fleetwood (Formby Hall) 74 71 72; James Robinson (Southport and Ainsdale) 72 72 73; Stiggy Hodgson (Sunningdale) 73 70 74;

218 Ben Westgate (Trevose) 73 73 72; Nigel Edwards (Whitechurch) 72 72 74; Edward Parker (Crewe) 71 72 75.

Other Irish: 224 Dara Lernihan (Castle) 76 71 77.